In simple words, System File Checker is the built-in utility in Windows 10 that analyzes and detects the problematic files in your computer. Windows 10 System File Checker is a built-in tool that scans and repairs system files on the Windows 10 operating system. It is used to check for and replace corrupted or missing system files, which can cause various issues such as system crashes, freezes, error messages, and instability. This tool can be useful in situations where your system is behaving abnormally and you are unable to perform the regular tasks.
Part 1: Things to Know Before Running System File Check
Windows 10 SFC is a useful tool for resolving problems with system files. Yes, Windows 10 has System File Checker (SFC). The SFC tool is also available in Windows 8 and 8.1, and it is included in the latest version of Windows 10.
It is important to note that to run System File Checker, your Windows version must be up-to-date. It should be used as a first line of defense when encountering issues with Windows 10, before resorting to more drastic measures such as reinstalling the operating system. Here are some key points about SFC:
- To run SFC in Windows 10, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command “sfc /scannow”
- SFC can only fix problems with system files that are included in Windows 10 by default. It cannot repair any issues related to third-party software or drivers.
- The scan process can take several minutes to complete, depending on the number of files that need to be scanned and the speed of your system.
- If SFC finds any problems, it will automatically replace the damaged files with the correct version. If the tool is unable to fix the problem, it will generate a log file that can be used for further analysis.
Part 2: How to Run System File Checker on Windows 10
First thing first, you need to install the latest version of Windows 10 or any other Windows that you are using on your laptop or computer to run System File Checker Windows 10. Here are simple steps to easily run Windows SFC scannow on your computer:
- Open command prompt and run as administrator
- Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press enter. Be patient here because this may take a few minutes
- Once the screen displays “The operation completed successfully” message, type sfc /scannow and press enter (make sure to follow the exact syntax and the spaces)
- Press enter once you see “Verification 100% complete” message and exit the process
Part 3: What to Do If SFC Scannow Finds Corrupt Files?
If SFC finds corrupt files during a scan, you have several options to consider, including running the scan again, using the DISM tool, restoring the system from a previous restore point, or performing a clean installation of Windows 10. It’s always a good idea to back up your personal files before attempting to resolve an issue with system files.
Try running the scan again: Sometimes, running the SFC scan multiple times can fix the problem.
Use the DISM tool: If SFC is unable to repair the corrupt files; you can try using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. The DISM tool is a built-in utility that can help repair the Windows image, which includes the system files. To use DISM, you need to run the “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” command in Command Prompt.
Restore the system using a previous restore point: If you have created a restore point before the issue occurred, you can use that restore point to revert the system to a previous state and resolve the issue.
Perform a clean installation of Windows 10: If the above steps don’t work, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. This involves backing up your personal files, and then reinstalling the operating system from scratch.
Tips: How to Rescue Files When You Are Locked out of Windows
All of the above mentioned methods only work when you have access to your computer and the password is known to you. How to rescue files when you are locked out of your computer and cannot access your system? Well, in that case you need a trusted Windows password recovery tool.
We highly recommend using iToolab UnlockGo – Windows Password Recovery tool for such conditions. With the help of this password recovery tool, you can reset Windows password without backup or reset key. Here are some other features that can help you to get the most out of iToolab UnlockGo – Windows Password Recovery:
- Create Windows password reset disk with one click
- Reset Windows password for all types of accounts including admin, local and other accounts
- Create or delete Widows account without current password
- iToolab UnlockGo – Windows Password Recovery works for Windows 11, 10, 8,8.1, Vista and XP
Summary
Windows 10 System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in utility that scans for and replaces corrupt system files which is really helpful. In case you don’t have access to your Windows due to password issues, it is recommended to use iToolab UnlockGo (Windows). This tool is a reliable and efficient solution for unlocking Windows computers when you’ve lost or forgotten your password. It can reset the password for any Windows user account and enable you to regain access to your system.
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- Its password reset disk can be created easily with one click using a password reset disk.
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- It is available for all the Windows platforms, either it is 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, and Windows Server.
